Two laptops, six plugs: The South Korean cafes grappling with students who don't leave
Byline
Author Name (original byline info here)
Description
cafes in South Korea are grappling with an unexpected problem: an influx of students who refuse to leave, taking up tables all day with their laptops and multiple power cords. These "nomads" as they have come to be known, are not spending money on food or drinks, but are occupying tables for extended periods of time. Some cafes have taken to setting time limits for customers to encourage turnover, while others have started charging an entry fee in lieu of purchases.
Experts Comment
Dr. James, a geriatric psychiatrist, has noted increased agitation and anxiety among these students, and worries about the impact of this new isolated lifestyle on their mental health. Mr. Kim, an economics professor, argues that this trend underscores the worsening economic inequality in the country, where opportunities and welfare are not evenly distributed. With South Korea's rapid digital transformation, experts believe this is just one example of how technology and societal changes are reshaping our understanding of work, leisure, and public space.
The Impact on Business
The cafes, accustomed to a steady stream of customers purchasing drinks and food throughout the day, have been impacted by the absence of these sales, particularly since many of these "nomads" do not make any purchases. The situation has led many cafe owners to rethink their business models and strategies, potentially converting some tables to be reserved for customers making purchases, or adding more seating to accommodate those working remotely.
Conclusion
This trend in South Korean cafes highlights the changing dynamics of how we interact with public spaces, and how technology and economic factors can drive these shifts. It remains to be seen if these adaptations by cafes will be sufficient, or if governments and organizations will need to intervene to address some of the deeper issues that this phenomenon potentially highlights.
